SD House Panel Delays Vote On Arming Teachers

January 23, 2013, 11:58 AM

PIERRE, SD -

A South Dakota legislative panel has delayed a vote on a plan to let school boards designate teachers and others who would be armed with guns to protect against attacks like last month's elementary school shooting in Connecticut.

Supporters told the House Education Committee on Wednesday that the bill leaves it up to each school to decide whether to train and arm teachers, administrators and others. They say someone considering attacking a school might be deterred by the knowledge armed people are inside.

But opponents say allowing guns in schools could lead to accidental shootings or problems if students get their hands on teachers' guns. Representatives of school boards and teachers say putting guns in schools will make them less safe.